Tag: amidnightrider.com

Annually, I volunteer to drive the Salvation Army Bell Ringers from the “fort”, to their assigned stores. I also get to commute to work on my bike. This year on my new Giant Electric assist I call the Raza. (Named after the renegade space ship on the SciFi TV show “Dark Matter”).

This morning it was 24 F when I left the house. However, the sun was shining and there was not even a wisp of wind. The ride wasn’t bad at all. I felt chilled, but not cold. Because I’m a regular on this route I know the bridge opening times and I knew I was going to get caught waiting for boat traffic. I resigned myself that I would be stopped for a few minutes while a fishing boat passed through the swing bridge I cross to get to the city, New Bedford, MA. New Bedford is and has been for decades the #1 fishing port in the country. There are hundreds of these 70-90 foot boats, which explains why many of my post are ocean themed.

There was also a “huge” freighter in port unloading dozens of semi truck trailers loaded with clementines. There was quite an assembly line on the pier as truck after truck worked their way to one of the three cranes unloading their freight.

340 of us put our bikes on Trucks at South Station in Boston that transferred them to Southboro, Ma. We filled five double deck commuter rail trains with riders for the one hour ride to meet up with our bikes. There was also an additional 2530 others who made their own way to the start of the ride. Once in Southboro, we located truck E and retrieved our bikes to begin the four mile ride to the official start of the Marathon in Hopkinton. It began with the steepest hill that saw many many get off their bikes to walk. This is one of my top rated rides and like runners do for the Marathon, this is definitely a bucket list event.

Like this:

It’s time to get your tickets to have your bike shipped to the starting line in Hopkinton. It’s thirty bucks plus another six for the commuter rail. It’s very much worth the money. The trucks fill up quickly so time is of the essence.

CLICK HERE to get your ticket. Stop thinking about it. Just do it fercryinoutloud. It’s going to be one of the best rides you have ever done.

The second is Rails to Trails Opening Day on April 8th. Pledge to hit the trails at one of over 100 events across the country for a chance to win a Fuji bike!

Take the Pledge and Enter our Sweepstakes

Last year, Opening Day grew to include more than 20,000 trail lovers of every variety—but we believe this year’s celebration can be even bigger! Help us make 2017’s Opening Day the largest and most fun ever by taking the pledge to get out on the trail! You’ll have an amazing time—and you’ll be entered to win a special giveaway! Terms and conditions apply.

Also, if you ever thought about a multi day bike tour, Rails to trails offers the ideal opportunity with the easy 6 day Sojourn. I have done three with them and can vouch that they are spectacular and very easy, moderate daily mileage rides.